Vanessa: lucky Vanessa.

A dress rehearsal of Vanessa. As usual I was more interested in the story & characters than the music which seemed typically late C20, easily parodied. Opera does not seem to work in English, especially as this one seemed to take place in some Northern country, seemingly very un American, although of course Samuel Barber the composer was American
Vanessa living with her niece and mother awaits her lover Anatol of many years ago. A stranger comes to the house who says he loves her but when she looks at him, declares him an impostor to be removed immediately. However he appeals to the niece whom he beds on that first night and then stays to become Vanessa's lover and eventually her husband. Erika has a miscarriage, stays in the house while Vanessa marries Anatol and moves to Paris with young Anatol.

So even though it is a marriage based on deception they both play the game and it seems to work. Perhaps Princess Diana should have seen this movie.Poor high minded Erika who wanted to be wanted only for love loses out.
The furs were great. The opera features a moment about the furs.
A woman in my building wears a fur sign with a cross over it. Against fur. Pity really as it does look wonderful.
Ah well.
A good afternoon at the City Opera.